The Cottages of Lake St Louis: Where Care Feels Like Home

Forget everything you think you know about senior care. At The Cottages of Lake St. Louis, they have tossed out the long hallways and hospital vibes and replaced them with real homes, real care, and real heart.

On this months’ Senior Living Show, we sat down with Brandi Kesel, Executive Director of The Cottages of Lake St. Louis, to learn why this place is turning heads and changing lives.

The Cottages Have 10 Private Rooms

“We are not a facility. We are six homes,” Brandi says. Each one has ten private rooms, cozy living spaces, open kitchens, and big sunny windows. It is what you would expect from a home, not a care center. Residents can relax, connect, and enjoy a truly welcoming space that feels warm from the moment you walk in.

The Cottages offer both short-term rehab and long-term skilled nursing, with a team of dedicated caregivers, nurses, and on-site physicians. Need rehab after surgery? They have you covered. Looking for 24-hour care that does not feel institutional? This is your place. It is care that meets you where you are and helps you move forward with strength and dignity.

Missouri’s First Green House Project

Even better, it is Missouri’s first Green House Project model, a revolutionary approach to elder care that focuses on dignity, connection, and quality of life. “We are seeing people live longer, heal faster, and actually enjoy life here,” Brandi adds. Some residents have been with us for almost a decade, and they continue to thrive in a setting that feels more like home than any traditional care facility ever could.

The Staff

The staff are not just caregivers. They are part of the family. CNAs, called care partners, help with everything from personal care to cooking and even daily activities. Everyone pitches in, and everyone knows their name.